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MU$L(C, #a+uel $oy Mac*herson

Born October 13, 1927 in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Died October 12, 2021 in Bedford, Nova Scotia, just hours before his 94th birthday.

Roy leaves the love of his life and wife, Cynthia, his children William (Deborah), Anne (late husband Robert) and Susan (Craig), as well as grandchildren David (Jazz), Katherine, Colin (Jamie), Jonathan and great-grandchildren Eli and Ivy. He was predeceased by sister Edna and brother Donald.

Roy and Cynthia were married for 70 wonderful, joyful years, from 1951 to 2021, and their love

burned just as strong at the end of their marriage as at the beginning. To their family and those close to them, their relationship was a model for what a marriage could be. They were equal partners, raising their children, comforting each other during tough times, going on adventures and hikes together and always enjoying life. They were true friends as well as husband and wife. His children and grandchildren knew that he loved them fiercely and that he would do anything for them.

Roy spent his childhood as a minister’s son, living in Victoria, Fortune, Bonavista and Botwood in Newfoundland, where he learned the values of

hard work, honesty and kindness. He attended Mount Allison University, graduating in 1947 with a Bachelor of Science, and after working for a few years, went to Mcgill University, where he obtained a Bachelor of Engineering in 1951.

At the Bowater pulp and paper mill in Corner Brook, Roy was the first Newfoundlander to become Mill Manager in charge of all operations, a

position that he held for 10 years. His colleagues in the office and on the mill floor trusted and admired him, knowing that he would always treat them honestly and with respect. In 1988, shortly after his retirement, the Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Newfoundland and Labrador honoured him with the Award of Merit, given each year to one person to recognize exceptional achievements.

Roy loved being out with Cynthia, his family and friends, exploring the awe-inspiring mountains and coasts of Newfoundland as well as places far from home. Nature was his “happy place” and his relief

from the stress of his job. His curiosity about the world was also reflected in his love of reading, and

their home was full of books. A natural athlete who excelled at tennis and hockey, he would spring up slopes like a mountain goat and was fearless for his own safety. He would stand at the side of cliffs and was on the roof removing ice well into his late eighties. He downhill skied until the age of 88 and was chopping wood until he was 91, when Parkinson’s disease began to rob him of his ability to be active.

Most of all, Roy was a sweet, kind, generous man. He loved to laugh, to have a party, and just enjoy life. He was known for his honesty, his modesty and for his deep concern for those around him. He held fast to his values and never compromised on doing what he thought was right. Even when Parkinson’s disabled him severely, he never complained and remained thankful for everything people did for him. He was truly a good man.

Thanks to the staff at the Bedford Berkeley and the Bedford campus of Northwood for their kindness

and support during the final years of Roy’s life.

A memorial service will be held at Bedford United Church, 1200 Bedford Highway, on November 1 at 1:30 p.m. Donations can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (Newfoundland and

Labrador).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy can be shared with the family by visiting www.jasnowf uneralhome.com

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2021-10-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-10-16T07:00:00.0000000Z

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